Mopeds get better gas mileage!
Any popularity of the moped in the United States has a lot to do with Serge Seguin. In 1972, Seguin wrote his master�s thesis on the European moped. After lobbying to Congress on the fuel efficient benefits of mopeds Seguin was able to get over 30 states to include classifications for mopeds in their traffic laws. During their peak in the 1970s mopeds were owned by over a quarter million people.
Mopeds are definitely better for the environment than most automobiles. They consume less gas. They consume this gas at a slower rate than automobiles do. The engines are simpler and thus more able to economize the fuel they use. In fact, mopeds were once the preferred mode of travel in the 1970s when gas was in short supply throughout the United States.
The trend for mopeds is the smaller the engine the better fuel efficiency it has. The average 50cc moped is capable to run at 100 miles per gallon, but in most cases only able to reach top speeds of 35 miles per hour. Some 50cc models are capable of even better fuel efficiency. As you go up the ladder the speed increases, but the fuel efficiency goes down. Average mopeds at 150cc can crest at 60 miles per hour, but their fuel efficiency goes down to about 75-90 miles per gallon. At average mopeds at 250cc can reach higher speeds (nearly 80 miles per hour), but their fuel efficiency goes down to 60 miles per gallon. Sixty miles per gallon is still not a poor fuel efficiency rating it is better than most (if not all) cars that claim to be fuel efficient. As technology gets better, fuel efficiency gets even better. Some special models at 150cc are reported to get over 100 miles per gallon.
As an alternative to purchasing a moped outright, there are options where you can purchase an engine for your bicycle. This idea is what spawned the first mopeds and motorcycles and can turn into an even more fuel efficient idea. These engines allow for you to get over 150 miles per gallon in some cases, even more fuel efficiency if you sometimes pedal instead of run the engine. These models can top out at 35 miles per hour, depending on the weight and height of the rider. However, you must be careful about ordering these engines from overseas providers. The EPA has imposed a ban upon receiving two cycle kits from outside the United States, if purchased inside the States you are okay because it is assumed the kit is acquired legally.
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